Why Do Yorkies Have Bad Breath? 7 Common Reasons To Know

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On September 4, 2024

You’re sitting on the couch, having a nice evening and suddenly you catch a whiff of something gross. You look over and there’s your cute Yorkie snuggled up next to you and there’s no mistaking it—your Yorkie’s breath is awful! If you’ve ever thought “My Yorkie’s breath smells like fish” you’re not alone. This is a common problem many Yorkie owners face and it’s frustrating and worrying. We all know dealing with Yorkie bad breath isn’t easy. That’s why we’re going to give you tips to make your pet more pleasant smelling.

There are several reasons why your Yorkie’s breath might be awful. Knowing these reasons will help you take the right steps to improve your dog’s oral health and overall health. Here are some of the common reasons:

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1. Poor Dental Hygiene

The number one reason for bad breath in Yorkies is poor dental hygiene. Yorkies are prone to plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth due to their small mouth size which can quickly lead to yorkie periodontal disease. This buildup is a breeding ground for bacteria which in turn causes bad breath. Yorkies with rotten teeth are especially prone to foul smelling breath due to the infection and decay in their mouths.

Unfortunetely, people often think dogs don’t need toothbrushing. But the truth is completely opposite. Just imagine how your teeth would look like without toothbrushing. Besides Yorkies, other small dog breeds such as Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are also prone to dental issues. Thanks to their small sizes of jaws, their teeth can grow in the wrong direction.

2. Diet and Eating Habits

Diet plays a big role in your Yorkie’s breath. If your dog’s diet is unbalanced or includes low quality food it can cause bad breath. Some Yorkies have a habit of eating poop, a behavior known as coprophagia which can cause very foul breath. If you’ve ever wondered “why does my Yorkie eat poop” it might be due to nutritional deficiencies, boredom or even behavioral issues.

3. Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that can damage the gums and destroy the jawbone. It’s a common problem in small breeds like Yorkies due to the crowding of their teeth. The progression of yorkie periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and bad breath that’s hard to ignore. If your yorkie smells bad consistently periodontal disease could be the cause.

4. Oral Infections and Abscesses

Infections in the mouth such as those caused by an object stuck or an injury can cause bad breath. Abscesses from broken teeth or gums infected due to lack of care can produce foul smell and be painful for your Yorkie. In some cases these infections may need veterinary attention.

5. Stomach and Digestive Issues

Sometimes bad breath in Yorkies is related to digestive issues. A dog’s bad breath from the stomach can happen if there’s an imbalance of bacteria or if your dog has indigestion or acid reflux. In these cases the smell might be described as “my dog’s breath smells like fish” or similar unpleasant odors.

6. Systemic Health Problems

Yorkie health problems can show up as bad breath. For example kidney disease or diabetes can cause unusual odors. Dog bad breath cancer is another concern as tumors in the mouth or digestive tract can cause halitosis.

7. Puppy Breath

Even 5-month old Yorkies aren’t immune to bad breath. A 5-month-old-puppy bad breath can happen due to teething where the loss of baby teeth and the emergence of adult teeth can cause inflammation and odor. Bacteria can also accumulate on the gums and cause bad breath in young puppies.

How to Fix Yorkie Bad Breath?

If you have a Yorkie with stinky breath there are several ways you can improve their oral health and reduce the odor. Here’s how to keep your Yorkie’s breath fresh and clean:

1. Regular Teeth Brushing

Learning how to brush Yorkie’s teeth is key. Regular brushing removes plaque and tartar buildup and prevents bacteria growth that causes bad breath. Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Brush at least 2-3 times a week for best results.

2. Dental Chews and Treats for a Yorkie Bad Breath

Dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup and keep your Yorkie occupied. Look for chews that promote oral health and can be added to your dog’s daily routine. Always supervise your Yorkie when they’re having these treats to prevent choking hazards.

3. Professional Dental Cleaning

Consider scheduling regular veterinary dental cleanings. A professional cleaning can remove plaque and tartar thoroughly and reach areas that are hard to clean at home. It’s especially important for older Yorkies or those with advanced signs of yorkie periodontal disease. Your dog’s dentist can remove plaque and tartar with special dental equipment. Otherwise, your dog will start to develop gingivitis and periodontitis.

4. Dietary Changes

Feeding your Yorkie high-quality dog food can make a big impact on their breath. The best food for Yorkies will be nutritionally balanced and have ingredients that support dental health. Avoid foods high in sugars or artificial additives as these can cause dental problems and bad breath. And no matter how sorry you feel about not sharing your food with your dog, trust me you’re actually doing them a favor. Human food is high in sugars, carbohydrates, and spices that can harm your Yorkie’s digestive tract and teeth.

5. Dog Breath Freshening Products

Dog bad breath water additives can be added to your Yorkie’s water to help reduce bacteria in the mouth that cause odor. These are safe for dogs and a convenient way to have fresher breath.

6. Regular Vet Visits

Regular vet visits are important to catch health issues that may not be visible. Your vet can check for yorkie health problems and advise on how to keep your dog’s mouth and overall health. Early detection of periodontal disease or systemic issues makes a big difference. Not just you but also your pooch needs to regularly go on health checks.

7. Home Remedies for a Yorkie Bad Breath

If you prefer natural methods, there are several dog bad breath home remedies. Adding a little parsley to your Yorkie’s food is a natural breath freshener. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help reduce mouth odor when rubbed on the gums. Another famous product is adding a spoon of an apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl. This ingredient is completely harmless and will do a miracle for your Yorkie’s bad breath.

8. Chew Toys for treating Yorkie Bad Breath

Give your Yorkie safe chew toys to keep their teeth clean by scraping off plaque as they chew. Chew toys also promote healthy chewing habits and can be a good supplement to brushing. In our offer, you can find great chew and interactive toys for Yorkies that can help in keeping their teeth clean.

9. Monitor and Prevent Coprophagia

If your Yorkie eats poop, you need to find ways to stop this behavior. Clean up immediately after your dog goes potty and use deterrents that make feces unappealing. Also, make sure your Yorkie is well fed with the best food for yorkies to address nutritional deficiencies that may cause this behavior.

Dealing With Yorkie Bad Breath: Conclusion

Bad breath in Yorkies is common but the good news is you can usually get it under control. I still remember the first time my Yorkie gave me a big slobbery kiss and I almost fell off the couch from the smell. Trust me I get it—it’s pretty gross. But after some trial and error, finding the right routine and a few vet visits, things started to get better. Regular teeth brushing, keeping an eye on their diet and using some breath freshening tricks made a big difference.

If your Yorkie’s breath is ruining cuddle time, try these out and see what works for your dog. And remember if things don’t improve or you see other health issues, don’t wait to call your vet. Our little fur babies deserve the best.

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